New Delhi: Around 4,000 Indian Umrah pilgrims have reportedly been stranded in Saudi Arabia’s holy cities of Makkah and Madina following flight cancellations amid heightened regional tensions and security concerns. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has urged the Central Government to take immediate steps to ensure their safe return to India.

In a post on social media platform X on Thursday, Owaisi said the pilgrims had travelled to Saudi Arabia on flights operated by IndiGo, Akasa Air and Air India but were unable to return after services were disrupted.

Owaisi urged the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to allow airlines to operate larger aircraft to accommodate the affected passengers. He also called for special flights if regular services could not resume soon. He sought the intervention of External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and other Union ministers, alleging that some pilgrims had been left without adequate support from their travel agents. <Cite refs={["turn507373search0","turn507373search2"]}/>

MEA Steps Up Efforts to Bring Pilgrims Home

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has said Indian diplomatic missions are coordinating with airlines and tour operators to facilitate the return of affected pilgrims.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that around 3,000 stranded Umrah pilgrims had returned to India on available flights over the preceding week. More than 10,000 additional pilgrims who had booked regular flights had also returned during the same period.

The Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah are working with airlines and travel organisers to arrange the return of those still affected. Round-the-clock control rooms have also been established to provide assistance to Indian nationals, with community volunteers supporting welfare efforts. <Cite refs={["turn507373search1","turn507373search3"]}/>

Flight Disruptions Amid Regional Tensions

The disruption follows security incidents affecting Saudi infrastructure and heightened tensions in the region, leading airlines to suspend or cancel services on some routes. The situation has caused uncertainty for passengers and pilgrims whose return journeys were planned through scheduled flights.

Indian authorities have urged travellers to follow official advisories and remain in contact with their airlines and tour operators. Efforts are continuing to facilitate the safe and early return of the remaining affected pilgrims.

While Owaisi has called for urgent additional flights, the MEA says coordination with airlines and travel organisers is underway. A confirmed timeline for the return of all remaining pilgrims has not been announced.